Intersectionality and the Gender Pay Gap: Supporting Women of Diverse Backgrounds at Publicis Sapient

At Publicis Sapient, our commitment to gender equity is rooted in the understanding that no two women’s experiences in the workplace are the same. True progress requires recognizing and addressing the complex, intersectional realities faced by women—across race, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQ+ identity, and more. Our approach goes beyond one-size-fits-all solutions, focusing on creating pathways for all women to thrive, lead, and shape the future of digital business transformation.

RISE: An Intersectional Approach to Women’s Advancement

Central to our strategy is the RISE program—Redefine, Inspire, Strengthen, Elevate—a global initiative designed to nurture and advance women at every stage of their career journey. RISE is built on the principle that achieving gender equity means creating an environment where all women, regardless of background, can flourish. This means taking an intersectional approach that considers not just gender, but also the unique challenges and barriers faced by women of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ women.

Key Features of RISE:

Sponsorship: Women are intentionally matched with leadership sponsors, with a focus on supporting those who may face additional barriers due to their intersectional identities. This strategic pairing prepares women for future career opportunities and ensures advocacy at the highest levels.
Mentoring: Leveraging a global, technology-enabled platform, RISE offers seamless mentoring experiences. Women can find mentors who understand their unique challenges—whether related to cultural background, disability, or LGBTQ+ identity—schedule meetings, track progress, and identify opportunities for growth.
Skills Development: RISE provides targeted learning and development opportunities that address the specific barriers women encounter, especially at junior to mid-career stages. This includes countering stereotypes, navigating male-dominated roles, and building confidence for those who may have less access to mentors or networks due to their background.
Inclusive Leadership Training: RISE also includes a dedicated component for leaders, equipping them with the skills to be effective executive sponsors and truly inclusive leaders. This ensures that intersectionality is embedded at every level of the organization.

Intersectionality in Action: Data-Driven Progress

Our intersectional approach is not just theoretical—it is reflected in the lived experiences of our people and the measurable outcomes we achieve. For example, our Gender Equity Plan in the UK was informed by deep analysis of employee lifecycle data and direct engagement with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This led to targeted interventions, such as:

Enhanced outreach to female candidates from underrepresented groups
Inclusive staffing and promotion practices that account for intersectional barriers
Review of promotion criteria to ensure equitable advancement for all women

The results speak for themselves: in the most recent period, 53% of promotions at Publicis Sapient were awarded to women, with a focus on improving representation at senior levels and in specialized technical roles where women of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ women have historically been underrepresented.

Networks and Support Systems

Our gender-focused business resource group, PS Balance, is dedicated to supporting individuals of all gender identities—including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities—at every career stage. PS Balance cultivates a supportive culture and provides targeted professional development, while also addressing barriers faced by men and non-binary colleagues. This holistic approach ensures that intersectionality is woven into the fabric of our organizational culture.

Additionally, our Women’s Leadership Network and other affinity groups provide safe spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and advocacy. These networks are instrumental in amplifying the voices of women from diverse backgrounds and ensuring their unique needs are met.

Flexible Policies for Diverse Needs

We recognize that intersectionality also means different women have different needs. Our flexible work arrangements, comprehensive well-being programs, and family support policies are designed to be inclusive of all backgrounds. For example:

Generous paid parental leave and phased return-to-work options support working mothers, adoptive parents, and LGBTQ+ families.
Emergency childcare and mental health resources are available to all employees, recognizing the additional pressures that may be faced by women from marginalized communities.
Our menopause policy and partnerships for emergency care address the unique health and caregiving needs of women at different life stages.

Voices of Our People: Testimonials

"Being part of PS Balance and the RISE program has given me the confidence and mentorship to pursue leadership opportunities I once thought were out of reach. As a woman of color, I’ve found sponsors who understand my journey and advocate for my growth."
"The flexibility and support I’ve received as a working parent and as someone with a disability have been transformative—not just for my career, but for my family. Publicis Sapient’s commitment to intersectionality is real and makes a difference every day."

Accountability and Transparency

Transparency and accountability are central to our approach. We regularly publish gender pay gap data and analyze representation across all levels and demographics. Our multidisciplinary Gender Taskforce, comprising senior leaders, people team representatives, and data analysts, ensures that our strategies are informed by real data and lived experiences. This group is responsible for driving the implementation of our Gender Equity Plan and holding the organization accountable for progress.

Beyond Gender: A Broader Commitment to Inclusion

Intersectionality at Publicis Sapient extends beyond gender. Our #PeopleNotLabels campaign, in partnership with The Humsafar Trust, highlights our advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion, particularly for trans people in India. Through initiatives like TRANScend, we work to enhance the socio-economic inclusion of trans people, demonstrating our commitment to equity across all dimensions of identity.

The Path Forward

At Publicis Sapient, intersectionality is not a buzzword—it is a guiding principle that shapes our culture, policies, and programs. By centering the unique experiences of women from all backgrounds, we are building a workplace where everyone can thrive. Our ongoing commitment to intersectional equity is not only the right thing to do—it is essential for driving innovation, engagement, and business success in a rapidly changing world.

Ready to join a company where your whole self is valued? Explore opportunities at Publicis Sapient and be part of a movement that is redefining what inclusion means in the digital age.